going to a smaller cam question

[1968_Charger]

I've got an internally stock 1970 383 engine that someone has put a large cam in. I've only been able to pull about 9-10 in. Of vacuum at idle and the car has no power below about 2500 rpm. If I put a smaller cam in, like a voodoo 60301 would I see an improvement in low end power? Im not planning on racing the car. I just want more bottom end power and better gas milage. I've heard of ovecamming an engine. Do my issues sound like that's the problem. I know my 383 wasn't high compression from the factory and my compression is good in all cylinders. The motor is mehanically sound just feels weaker than it should. I've tried timing and carb adjustments but to me it seems like the cam is just too big for the engine. My concern is that I put a smaller cam in and it makes it even slower. What do you guys think?

[elacruze]

What's the rest of the build? Intake, Headers? Carb? Mechanical or Vacuum secondaries?

A cam that starts pulling hard at 2500 in a 383 isn't really very big.

[1968_Charger]

670 volley dp. Edelbrock performer intake,  headers 3.55 rearend 2800-3000 stall converter

[1968_Charger]

Vacuum secondaries I believe

[elacruze]

Sounds like pretty reasonable gear, so to answer your question yes a different cam can work better-but not necessarily at top end. There is the possibility that your cam was not installed in the best position, and advancing it will give some more vacuum without losing high RPM horsepower-but without knowing what cam is in there, it's trial-and-error. Cam and lifters are not expensive, so you could just toss what's there and install something you know to be appropriate, or you could do some research-read the cam that's in there, and if it's close then re-time it and see what happens.
You may also be able to get a little better drivability if you slow down the secondary venturi tip-in.

[1968_Charger]

Thanks for the info. I think ill go ahead and put a cam I know in it. That way I know what I've got

[firefighter3931]

I recommended the 302 voodoo cam to Jackson and his combo is almost identical to yours. 

With the right cam & converter/gearing those 383's will run hard 


http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,78094.msg882782.html#msg882782



Ron

[Cooter]

Gotta remember one thing bout the 383 Mopar BB though....A 350 SB Chebby has more crank in it...(Stroke)..

[firefighter3931]

Gotta remember one thing bout the 383 Mopar BB though....A 350 SB Chebby has more crank in it...(Stroke)..

That's why it's so easy to "over cam" a 383 (short stroke)....but when dialed in properly they will run hard. 


Ron

[mpdlawdog]

 ....Im in the same boat but everyone has  been really helpful....I dont have the know how to change the cam so I am in the process of elimination to solve my problem

[1968_Charger]

thanks for the other suggestion. i thought it might be a little too much, and when i made my last post i went ahead and ordered the 60301. hopefully that works out for me.

[firefighter3931]

With 3.55 gears and 2800 stall i would have picked the 302.....but it will run fine with the 301. The shorter duration will make it come in sooner and fall off sooner. It will idle like a kitten and be a breeze to tune. 

Horsepower will peak ~5500 but it will have lots of throttle response and off idle punch 



Ron

[1968_Charger]

thats more what im looking for. i dont race it. its a cruiser.  but sometimes you wanna go fast for a few seconds!   

[terrible one]

I recommended the 302 voodoo cam to Jackson and his combo is almost identical to yours. 

With the right cam & converter/gearing those 383's will run hard 


http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,78094.msg882782.html#msg882782



Ron

Thanks for the plug Ron Soon I'll get a jet kit and will be buggin you about tuning this thing to perfection!